Department of Health and Human Services study: Unpaid hospital tab $49 billion every year

A recent study by the Department of Health and Human Services found that uninsured Americans — including higher-income individuals — leave hospitals with unpaid tabs of up to $49 billion annually. “Unpaid bills do have an impact on our financial situation and therefore health care costs overall,” said Mitch Hackbarth, vice president of finance for Appleton-based ThedaCare. “We absorb over $30 million of bad debts and charity care currently, as well as the resources in our billing and collection areas.” (APPLETON POST CRESCENT)

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